, 71, of Little Italy Road, died, September 23, 2008, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH. He was born in Woodsville, NH on July 7, 1937, a son of Lorimer and Alice (Welch) Puffer. Harold graduated from Groton High School, Class of 1955. He married Janet Helen Benzie on June 13, 1959. He served with the Vermont National guard for several years and graduated from the Vermont Military Academy in 1970. He started with the Modern Woodmen Agency in 1969 as a sales representative. In 1976 with his two brothers Gordon and Gene they established Puffer Brother s Broadcasting and WYKR Radio in Wells River. He returned to Modern Woodmen in 1979 and became Agency Manager for Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont Modern Woodmen of America from 1981 to 2001. Harold was the former Fire Chief of Groton, Groton Civil Defense Coordinator and recently served on the Planning Commission. He was also a former Trustee of Cottage Hospital and Director of Caledonia Home Health. He enjoyed carving, building ponds, and Sunday dinner with the family. His love for the Lord made him the encourager he was. Harold was proud of his Groton roots, Where a small town is like a large family. In the passing of Harold, Groton feels the loss of one more respected and helpful citizen. Harold was predeceased by a son Mark Stevenson Puffer, on October 9, 1965 Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Janet Helen (Benzie) Puffer of Groton; three sons Nathan Puffer and wife Merry (Kinder) of Groton, David Puffer and wife Maria (Trombley) of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Matthew Puffer and wife Tracy (Emerson) of Groton; 6 granddaughters; 2 grandsons; two brother, Gordon Puffer and wife Maureen of Mildenhall, England and Eugene Puffer and wife Clara of Monroe, NH, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be on Sunday, September 28th, from 3 to 5 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. The funeral service will be on Monday, September 29th, at 1 PM in the Groton United Methodist Church, with Pastor Candace Ricker and Pastor Dennis Walton, of the First Baptist Church of Groton. Burial will follow in the Groton Village Cemetery (New Section), with Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Groton United Methodist Church, Scott Memorial Highway, Groton, VT 05046, The First Baptist Church of Groton, PO Box 128, Groton, VT, 05046, Groton Historical Society, C/O Diane Kriess, Groton, VT, 05046 or Groton Food Shelf, C/O Linda Nunn, Groton, VT, 05046.

, 76, a longtime Piermont resident died October 2, 2008, at his residence. He was born in Groton, VT, July 18, 1932, a son of Eben M. and Alice (Page) McDonald. He was a 1950 graduate of Groton High School, and later spent several years farming with his father on River Road in Piermont. Survivors include two sisters Muriel Weeks of Orford, and Irene Mitchell of Piermont, one brother Floyd McDonald of Nashua, NH, along with several nieces, nephews. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Burial will be in South Lawn Cemetery, Piermont.

, 76, died October 8, 2008, at the Grafton County Nursing Home, North Haverhill. He was born in Groton, VT, January 23, 1932, the son of Herbert G. and Eula M. (Boardman) Chamberlain, Sr., and was a graduate of Wells River High School. A long time Bath resident Herb worked for the Bath Highway Department, as well as, the highway departments in Rumney and Haverhill. He was the school bus driver for the town of Bath for many years also. Herb formerly served on the Bath Fire Department and school board. He was predeceased by his wife Janis M. (Hawes) Chamberlain on September 16, 1992. Survivors include a daughter Nancy Bedell and husband Gerald of Monroe, a son Herbert G. Butch Chamberlain, III and wife Deborah of Bath, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren, three sisters Eula Idamae Colburn and Irene Chamberlain both of Florida and Francese A. Powers of Woodsville, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. At Herb s request there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Burial will be in the Bath Village Cemetery.

, 84, a former longtime Barnet Center resident, died Ocotber 9, 2008, at Select Specialty Hospital in Latrobe, PA. She was born in Milltown, PA on December 22, 1924, a daughter of George F. and Susan L. (Koch) Dible. In her younger years she worked for an insurance company in Pittsburgh, PA and was later transferred to San Francisco. This is where she met her future husband Merrill S. McLaren and they married on July 26, 1958. Later they moved to his native Vermont where they operated his father s dairy farm until his death on March 19, 1977. Mrs. McLaren was an active member and Elder of The Presbyterian Church of Barnet, former Clerk of Session and officer in the Presbytery, and served as the church liaison to the West Barnet Senior Meal Site. She was also an active member of the Lakeview Grange in West Barnet where she had held most of the offices, and the Shepard Pomona Grange. She spent much time working at the West Barnet Fall Foliage events, where she headed the morning breakfast and evening dinner. Survivors include a brother James Dible of Whittier, CA, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be on Saturday, October 18th, at 11 AM in The Presbyterian Church of Barnet at Barnet Center, 276 Barnet Center Road, with Rev. Dr. Dwight White officiating.

, 90, passed away on October 15, 2008, following a long illness. She was born in Dunkin, Quebec, January 8, 1918, daughter of Ernest Lee and Vida Mae (Courser) Achilles. She moved with her family to East Cabot, VT at the age of 2. She was married to Bernard E. Doe of South Ryegate, VT on February 5, 1938. Candis and Bernard operated dairy farms in South Ryegate, VT and Woodsville, NH. They operated Redbern s Restaurant in Woodsville for several years. Candis was an assistant teacher at the Blue Mountain Union School in Wells River for many years. She was an Elder of the South Ryegate Presbyterian Church and also sang in the church choir for several years. She served as chairperson of the Caledonia County Democratic Committee and was a former Justice of the Peace. She earned an Associate Degree from the Community College of Vermont. Candis possessed a strong sense of community service and was happiest when reaching out to friends and people in need. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard E. Doe on May 25, 1988. She was also predeceased by a daughter, Sharon S. Doe on November 14, 2004, two sisters, Zerella Shute and Zylpha Houghton, and two brothers, Norman and Carlton Achilles. Survivors include a daughter, Carmen D. Jordan of Wells River; a son, Lt. Col. (U.S. Army Retired) Bernard Wayne Doe and wife Tokiko of Burke, VA; two granddaughters, Jody L. Jordan of Montpelier, VT and Regan J. Dougall and husband, Mark of Franklin, TN; two grandsons, Stephen B. Doe of Clifton, VA and Matthew W. Doe of Burke, VA; two great grandchildren Ryleigh and Destin Dougall; and several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. The funeral service will be on Monday, October 20th, at 1 PM at the South Ryegate Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Catherine Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Pinehurst Cemetery, South Ryegate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the South Ryegate Presbyterian Church, C/O Mrs. Gloria Welch, Trust Officer, 419 Stone Road, South Ryegate, VT, 05069.

, 71, passed suddenly on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH. He was born in Newbury, VT, August 22, 1937, the son of Clayton and Lena (LaCoursere) Flint, and was raised by his step-father, George Gould. Sam graduated from the Wells River High School, class of 1955. He served with the U. S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959, where he met his former wife Jeanne. They were married for 40 years and lived in New Bedford, MA, where they raised their family of seven children. After his time in the service he went to electronic school. He was a communicant of St. Theresa s Catholic Church in New Bedford, MA. He was an independent roofing contractor in the New Bedford area most of his life, until his return to Vermont in 1986. Sam was the owner and operator of Woodsville True Value Hardware for many years. He was well known and enjoyed serving his customers and his community. After his retirement a few years ago he ran a side business on Route 302 in Woodsville, Sam Collectables. He loved fishing, gold panning, golfing and being around people, telling jokes and sharing family stories. His memory will live on in all of us forever. He was predeceased by a son, George Flint. Survivors include four daughters, Michelle Souza of Taunton, MA, Anita Munroe of Wareham, MA, Deanne Goule of New Bedford, MA and Lee Flint of Groton, VT; two sons, Raymond Flint of Littleton, NH and Richard Flint of New Bedford, MA; nine grandchildren; a sister, Jeannette Boyce of Whitefield, NH; along with several half sisters and brothers; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, October 25, at 11 AM at the St. Joseph s Catholic Church, Pine Street, Woodsville, NH with Father Daniel Sinibaldi officiating. The Family will receive Family and Friends at the church at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one s choice.

died October 17, 2008, after a lengthy illness. Born December 11, 1927 in Winnsboro, Louisiana, Mae graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in 1948 with her R.N. licensure. She worked as a nurse in Bakersfield, California, until 1966, when she returned to Louisiana, working for Glenwood Hospital in West Monroe, retiring in 1980 from G.B. Cooley Hospital in West Monroe. In 2006, she left her home in Monroe to live with her son in Woodsville, New Hampshire. Mae was an avid puzzle-worker and spent every morning with the newspaper crossword and hours solving it over the phone with her beloved sister-in-law, Mrs. Betty Martin of West Monroe. Mae had a large heart and was always doing good deeds and providing for others less fortunate. Throughout her life, all who came in contact with her were struck by her spirit of giving and generosity. She was a member of the Jackson Street Church of Christ in Monroe for many years prior to her move to New England. Mae was predeceased by her first husband, Ernest E. Martin, in 1978, and her second, Thomas B. Smith, in 1988. Surviving are her son, Charles E. Martin of Woodsville, New Hampshire, a sister, Geneva Robinson of San Antonio, Texas, and two grandchildren, Rachelle Rennagel of Los Angeles, California, and Christophe DeGregory, of Portland, Maine. There are no services planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Country Home Health and Hospice Agency, 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH 03561.

, 79, died on October 20, 2008, at Cottage Hospital. Helen was born in West Fairlee Center, VT, August 22, 1929, the daughter of Fred W. and Marion (Blake) Brown. Helen married Ernest George on September 14, 1947. She worked at the Silver Maple Lodge in Fairlee, VT when she was younger. Helen and Ernest were part of the founders of the Calvary Baptist Church in Woodsville and the Church was a very large part of her life. Helen loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren, and they all held a very special place in her heart. She loved her flowers, feeding the wild birds and the many animals. Helen had taken painting classes, and was very blessed at painting crafts. She loved cooking for her family and friends. Helen and Ernest spent many hours hunting and fishing together. She was predeceased by three children, Ernest George, Jr., Deborah George, and Roger George; two sisters, Dorothy Driscoll and Hazel Placey; and two brothers, Philip Brown and Fred Brown, Jr. Survivors include her husband of 61 Years, Ernest H. George, Sr.; seven children, Walter George of McIndoe Falls, VT, Mark George of Charlestown, NH, Marion Stapelfield of Ryegate, VT, Daniel George of Woodsville, NH, Elizabeth Nunn of Cabot, VT, Thomas George of Monroe, NH and Dorothy Parker of Bath, NH; 18 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be on Thursday, October 23, from 6 to 8 PM, at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A funeral service will be on Friday, October 24, at 1 PM, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 20 Elm Street, Woodsville, NH, with Pastor Dan Chamberland officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Swiftwater Road, Woodsville, NH, following the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Treasurer, Calvary Baptist Church, New Building Fund, 20 Elm Street, Woodsville, NH, 03785.

, 91, died on October 22, 2008 at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH. He was born in Irasburg, VT, July 18, 1917, the son of Arthur B. and Katie (Lanou) LaBounty. Guy married Madeline Rosetta Hood on March 30, 1939. He was the farm manager and grounds foreman at the Glencliff Home for the Elderly, Glencliff, NH from 1942-1977. Guy worked at the Nelson Farm in Ryegate from 1978-1986. He was a trustee and moderator for the Newbury Bible Church for many years. He was a member of the NRA, Gideon International, Blue Mountain Grange, Moosilaukee Grange and the Groton Historical Society. Guy and his family lived in Glencliff from 1942-1977 before moving to his present home in Ryegate. He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline R. LaBounty on September 23, 2003 and by his brother Marvin Labounty and sister his Ruth Smith. Survivors include a son, Gary LaBounty of Edmonds, WA; a daughter, Donna Stewart of Seattle, WA; 3 grandchildren, Kevin Stewart, Tania Vonbarkenhagen, and Sonia Stewart; 3 great grandchildren, Robert Stewart, Anthony Stewart, and Nicole Stewart; and a nephew, Glen Smith. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 11 AM, at the Ryegate Presbyterian Church, Ryegate Corner, VT with Rev. Dr. M. Catherine Cook officiating. The burial will be private.

, 82, of Symes Pond Road, died on October 27, 2008 at the Cottage Hospital, Woodsville, NH. She was born in Augusta, ME, September 25, 1926, the daughter of Perley M. and Beatrice V. (Haskell) White. Alice married Merton W. White on June 16, 1946. They moved to Ryegate in 1987 from Manchester, ME. She enjoyed woodcarving, stained glass work, and working on her property, cutting wood with her chain saw and driving the John Deere Gator. She was passionate about having a good wood fire nearly everyday of the year. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Merton W. White of Ryegate, VT; a daughter, Terry Baker and husband Robert of Ryegate; a granddaughter, Lori Baker of Manchester, ME; three sisters, Ruth Babcock and Gloria Bibeau, both of Augusta, ME and Florence Black of Waterville, ME; two brothers, Theodore White of Augusta, ME and Clarence White of Sidney, ME; and several nieces and nephews. At Alice s request there will be no calling hours or public services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, NH, 03785.

, 87, formerly of Sanborn Street, died October 31, 2008, at the Lafayette Center in Franconia following an extended illness. She was born in East Charleston, VT, November 29, 1920, a daughter of Lyle and Evelyn (Paye) Swett. For many years Madelyn worked in the housekeeping department at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. She attended North Haverhill Methodist Church. She was married to Merrill A. Lynaugh on March 19, 1940 and he predeceased her on October 12, 1992. She was also predeceased by a son Merrill Cy Lynaugh in 1984; four sisters, Beatrice Swett, Mona Swett, Dorothy Todd and Nina Hutchins; and two brothers, Gordon Swett and Herman Swett. Survivors include a daughter, Janice Haggett and husband Fred of Littleton, a daughter in law, Pat Lynaugh Chase and husband Richard of Lebanon, NH; five grandchildren, Allen Haggett and wife Leigh Ann of Littleton, NH, Stacey Bristow of Watertown, NY, Wendy Irwin and husband Clarence of Lebanon, NH, Jim Lynaugh and wife Sue of North Carolina and Paul Lynaugh and wife Karen of North Carolina; several great grandchildren; a brother Bion Swett of Bandera, TX; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be on Wednesday, November 5, at 2 PM at the Horsemeadow Annex Cemetery, North Haverhill, with Pastor Susan Ellery of the North Haverhill United Methodist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Centralized Memorial Processing Center, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA, 01701.

, 63, of Swamp Road, died on November 12, 2008 at the Saint Johnsbury Health and Rehab, Saint Johnsbury, VT. She was born in Randolph, VT, May 15, 1945, the daughter of Daniel and Lorraine (Jacobs) Murphy. Gert worked as a seamstress for many manufacturing companies in the area, including the Shoe Shop in Woodsville, NH, Mauldin Mills in Barre, VT, and Maska/CCM in Bradford, VT. She also worked as an LNA at Hanover Terrace in Hanover, NH. She married James K. Foster, Sr. on May 8, 1981 and they renewed their vows on February 14, 2007. She loved artwork, crafts, and quilting, along with cooking and fishing. Gert also enjoyed country music, playing the organ, and singing. Gert and Jim had lived in numerous states around the country before returning to Newbury 20 years ago. Over the years she had acquired a large collection of ceramic and metal pigs. As a younger lady she was a member of the Corinth Congregational Church. She was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Lorraine Murphy; a sister, Monica Jane Murphy; a brother, Bruce Edward Murphy; a half brother, Russell Comstock; and a step child, Stephen Foster. Survivors include her husband of 27 years, James K. Foster, Sr. of Newbury, VT; three sons, Larry W. Hart, Sr. and wife Leann, David A. Hart and wife Allison, and Patrick H. Hart and wife Jodi all of Topsham, VT; four step children; Cynthia Foster of Wyoming, James K. Foster, Jr. of Putney, VT, Caprice Foster of Bellows Falls, VT, and Scott Foster of Claremont, NH; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; eight siblings, Audrey Murphy Leonard of Saint Johnsbury, VT, Adrian Murphy of Middlesex, VT, June King of Cookeville, VT, Ramona Kidder of South Ryegate, VT, Duane Murphy of Taylorsville, NC, Blenda Lakin of Groton, VT, Donna Longmoore of East Ryegate, VT, and Judy Smythe of North Haverhill, NH; two brothers in law, Jerry Foster of Bellows Falls, VT and Harold Foster of South Carolina; several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be on Saturday, November 15, at 2 PM, at the Groton United Methodist Church, with Pastor Candice Ricker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson s Disease Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O Box 96268, Washington, DC 20090-6268.

, 88, of North Monroe, passed away on November 16, 2008, at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, St. Johnsbury, VT. He was born August 27, 1920, on Mountain View Farm in North Monroe. Philip attended elementary school in Monroe, McIndoe Academy, and the University of New Hampshire. Upon returning to his family s farm, he married Betty Jane Pierce, the love of his life. They were married 58 years. Together they planned, sacrificed and worked to increase the size of the pure bred Jersey herd, and maintained a beautiful, productive dairy. He strove to meet the challenges of raising six children, providing a safe, happy home. His wife and children were his reason to exist, and he worked to provide the best life possible for them. He was proud of their accomplishments and did everything within his power to protect them and to assure that they could have happy, successful lives. His brothers and sister were his best friends and were loved dearly, always living within a few miles of each other both in Monroe and Florida, through many happy winter retirement years. He loved living in this world and wanted to see it all, traveling to Europe several times, and extensively in the United States and Canada. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, bagging spectacular white tail bucks and catching Atlantic salmon and trout. Philip exemplified hard work, respect for nature, acute business acumen, and love of his family. He believed in living life until he died. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert F. Ward and Hazel Smith Ward; his older brother Linfield Ward and wife, Sarah; younger brother, Homer; brother-in-law, Rodney Stanton; and sister-in-law, Doris Ward. He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Linda Clark and son-in-law, James Clark of Monroe; daughter, Sharon Ward of Monroe; daughter, Pamela Van Den Berg and son-in-law, James Van Den Berg of Green Bay, WI; son, Gary Ward, and Tina Yourison of Monroe; son, Philip Michael Ward, and Teri Dexter of Littleton, NH; son, Bryan Ward of Monroe. His grandchildren are Abby Thomas and husband, Wilson Thomas of Danville, VT; Cadet Second Class Michael Clark of West Point, New York; Coast Guardsman MK2 Casey Locke of York, ME; and high school senior Kyle Ward of Plymouth and Monroe. His great-grandchildren are Wilder Thomas, who recently taught his great-grandfather to dance again; and newly arrived great-granddaughter, Aven Thomas. He is survived by his brother, Leslie Ward of Monroe; brother Norman Ward and sister-in-law Eve Ward of Monroe; sister Mary Stanton of Monroe; sister-in-law, Jean Wakefield of Lyndonville, VT; sister-in-law, Colleen Kerr and husband Tom of Waitsfield, VT; and sister-in-law, Janice Trush and husband Paul of Lyndonville. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be Saturday, November 22, at 11 AM, at the Monroe Community Church in North Monroe. Memorial donations may be made to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Office of Development, Hematology/Oncology Department, ATTN: Michele Clark, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.

, 89, died November 18, 2008 at the Grafton County Nursing Home. She was born in Randboro, Quebec, July 29, 1919, a daughter of Earle G. and Evelyn (Boisvert) Kingsley. A longtime employee of Speare Memorial Hospital, Plymouth, NH, where she managed the housekeeping and laundry departments, until her retirement in 1981. She also lived on River Street in Plymouth for many years, and in Lincoln, NH from 1988 to 2000, before entering the Grafton County Home in October 2002. Mrs. Bickford is a former member of the Rebekah Lodge in Plymouth and the CB Club in the Woodstock area, and is a former communicant of The Church of the Holy Spirit in Plymouth. In her free time she enjoyed reading, and listening to classical music, as well as, Big Band and Country music. During her later years she had become a baseball and Red Sox fan. Her family has always been dear to her including her grandchildren. Mrs. Bickford was married to James R. Bickford on July 2, 1938 and he predeceased her in 1969. She was also predeceased by two sisters Hilda Hartman in 2000 and Verlie Masters in 2005. Survivors include two daughters Judith Lupien of Warren, NH, Auralie Bickford of Yonkers, NY, two sons Grant Bickford of Canterbury, NH, and James Bickford of Northfield, NH; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, a sister Marylyn Pace of Albuquerque, NM, and a brother Charles Kingsley of Lennoxville, PQ, several nieces, nephews and cousins. There are no calling hours. A graveside funeral service was held on Monday, Nov. 24 at 11 AM in Pine Grove Cemetery, Swiftwater Road, Woodsville, with Father William Watts of St. Lukes Episcopal Church officiating.

, 66, died on Thursday, November 20, 2008, at the Grafton County Nursing Home, North Haverhill, NH. She was born in Rutland, VT, June 6, 1942, the daughter of Irving G. and Margaret E. (Johnson) Estes. Carol graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, CT. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret E. Estes on March 2, 1991 and Irving G. Estes on January 20, 1993; a sister, Shirley M. Estes; two brothers, Charles I. Estes and Richard J. Estes on Jan. 21, 2008. Survivors include two brothers, Paul L. Estes of Monroe, NH and Albion H. Estes of Haverhill, NH; 5 nieces, 3 nephews, several cousins and 1 uncle. It is Carol s request that there will be no public services. Burial will be at the Swiftwater Cemetery, Bath, NH.

, 78, died on Friday, November 28, 2008, at his daughter s residence, after his recent diagnosis with cancer. He was born in Chicopee, MA, April 16, 1930, the son of Milton H. and Lila (Robinson) Whitaker. Milty went to live with his grandparents when he was a young boy. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 1955. After being honorably discharged, he married Pauline Mace. They were blessed with four wonderful children, Debra, Daphne, Danny and David. In his early days, he worked for various road construction companies as a 10 wheeler Mack truck driver and retired from Morrill Construction in North Haverhill, NH. After retiring, you could find Milty cruising around in his little white Camaro or sitting with his friends at the P & H Truck Stop, trying his luck on those little scratch tickets and innocently hitting on all those pretty waitresses. He was predeceased by two sisters, Peggy Quisno and Marilyn Hammond. Survivors include two daughters, Daphne Huntoon and husband Bryan of Newbury, VT and Debra Grant and husband Dave of Newbury, VT; two sons, David Whitaker and wife Wendy of Haverhill, NH and Daniel Whitaker and wife Lee of Newbury, VT; several grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; a sister, Harriet Hughes of MA; a brother, Robert Whitaker of MA; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be a gathering of all family and friends at the P& H Truck Stop in Wells River, VT at 11 AM, Tuesday, December 9, 2008. Please join us to share your stories and memories with his children. Memorial contributions can be made to the P & H Truck Stop that will be used towards the purchase of a lounge chair in his memory.

, 93, of 238 Scott Highway, died November 30, 2008 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, December 11, 1914, a son of Roger and Sarah Crocker (Lawton) Eastman. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Ken worked as a stone cutter at the former Davidson Granite Company in South Ryegate, VT and retired in 1969. He was an original school board member of the Blue Mt. Union School District, served for several years as a Groton Selectman as well as being a tax lister, fence viewer, and former road commissioner. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed golf, town team baseball, hunting and fishing, tying flies, and he carried a Gensing picker s permit. He had also been a member and former deacon of the First Baptist Church in Groton Survivors include his wife Mary Molly (Birch) Eastman, to whom he was married on September 18, 1946; a daughter Mary Vaeni of Taunton, MA; two sons, Kenneth A. Eastman of Campton, NH, and David A. Eastman of Groton; five grandchildren, a sister Catherine Cochran of Morrisville, VT, and two brothers, Robert Eastman of Groton, and Clifford Eastman of Ryegate, VT; along with many nieces, nephews. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, December 3, 2008, from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008, at 11 AM, at Ricker Funeral Home. Burial will be in Groton Village Cemetery. Proud of his service to country and community, donations to the Vermont Veterans Home Business Office, Donation Account-Members Assistance, 325 North Street, Bennington, VT 05201, would be appreciated.

, 86, of Scott Highway, died December 8, 2008, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH. He was born in Barnet, VT, December 11, 1921, a son of Kenneth Norman and Jane (Heath) Murray. Norman grew up on his family s farm and married Marion E. Hatley on August 18, 1942, a day prior to leaving for his enlistment in the U.S. Army. While in the Army he was trained as an MP in England before serving in the Battle of the Bulge and along the border of France and Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart in 1943. Norman had worked at area dairy farms before being employed for 29 years as a boiler and maintenance operator for the Department of State Buildings in Montpelier, VT, retiring in 1994. He enjoyed baseball, especially listening to the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox on the radio. He also enjoyed old movies and television shows. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Marion E. (Hatley) Murray on May 28, 1994, two daughters, and four sisters Annie, Jessie, Hazel, Roberta, and a brother Kenneth. Survivors include four daughters, Norma Murphy of South Ryegate, VT, Laurel Goodwin of Woodsville, NH, Judy Thrasher of Monument Beach, MA, and Jane Tuite of Littleton, NH; two sons William B. Murray of Danville, VT, and James D. Murray of East Ryegate, VT; many grandchildren; several great and great-great grandchildren; two sisters Margaret Strobridge of West Barnet, VT, and Christie Hersey of Groton, two brothers Robert F. and Donald M. Murray both of East Ryegate; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be on Thursday, December 11, 2008, from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. The funeral service will be on Friday, December 12, at 11 AM at the Groton United Methodist Church with Pastor Candace Ricker officiating. Spring burial will be in the Monroe Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, 545 North Main Street, Barre, VT 05641, or to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, P.O. Box 1947, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA 22134, or to a local food shelf in your commuinty.

, 83, died on December 10, 2008 at the Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. Marion was born in Meredith, NH, August 29, 1925, the daughter of John and Eva (Roberts) Randall. She graduated from Meredith High School in 1943 and from Plymouth College in 1947. Marion attended the University of New Hampshire Graduate School in Library Science, also Boston University and the University of Vermont. Marion married Norman H. Mullen on November 18, 1949. She taught at the Meredith High School for a few years and later was an English teacher at Lisbon Regional School. She was also a substitute teacher in Berlin, NH. Marion was an English teacher and Librarian at Woodsville High School, during her time at WHS she started the Audio Visual Department. Marion was an accomplished pianist; she accompanied numerous school musicals, graduations, and clubs. She was a Communicant of St. Joseph s Catholic Church in Woodsville. Marion was a member of the Women of St. Joseph s, National Audubon Society, North Country Chorus, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and the Woodsville Progressive Club. She spent many evenings with her friends counting Night Hawks in the local area. After Norman and Marion retired, they wintered the past 20 years in Florida, 15 of those years were spent in Englewood. While in Florida she was a member of the Red Hat Society and also enjoyed playing golf. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Norman H. Mullen of Woodsville; two daughters, Cynthia Curran and husband Dennis of Sleepy Hollow, NY and Sheila Mullen and husband Rick Carr of Exeter, NH; one son, Michael Mullen and wife Gail of Miami, FL; seven grandchildren, Christopher, Melissa, and Timothy Curran, Mairead Carr, and Casey, Kelly, and Chelsea Mullen; two sisters, Jean Kierstead of Westford, MA and Eleanor Colby of Groton, MA; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Sunday, December 14, from 3 to 5 PM, at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, December 15, 11 AM, at the St. Joseph s Catholic Church, 15 Pine Street, Woodsville, NH, with Father Daniel J. Sinibaldi officiating. Burial will be in the St. Joseph s Catholic Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either, St. Joseph s Catholic Church, 21 Pine Street, Woodsville, NH 03785, Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 2001, Woodsville, NH 03785 or the Alzheimer s Association, One Bedford Farms Road, Suite 105, Bedford, NH 03110

, 59, of Topsham, passed away on December 13, 2008, following a brief illness. Hew was born in Medford, MA, on October 18, 1949, a son of William R. and Barbara (Carlson) Jefferson, Sr. He served in the Army for three years and was deployed for one year in Vietnam. Bill was a quiet, kind gentleman who is remembered by his many friends from his 37 year career at Polaroid in Waltham, MA, and neighbors and friends from Topsham and Corinth, VT. Bill s daily marathon trips to Polaroid and the unbelievable mileage posted on his vehicles convey his devotion to his job at the Polaroid Corporation and his home. His passions in life include his cats, photography, railroads, movies, computers and his home in East Topsham. Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Barbara Jefferson. Survivors include a brother Richard Jefferson of Litchfield, NH. A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2009 at 1 PM in the East Corinth Congregational Church, East Corinth, VT, with Rev. Michael Caldwell officiating. Light refreshments will follow the service in the church vestry. Burial in Waits River, VT Cemetery will be in the spring of 2009. Memorial contributions can be made to either the Brookside Nursing Home, White River Jct., Vt 05001, or to the Hospice of VT & NH, P.O. Box 976, White River Jct., VT 05001.

, 56, of Leighton Hill Road, died at her home on December 22, 2008. Linda was born on January 9, 1952, in Key West, FL, to Jim Jones and the late Beverly (Dinsmore) Lessard and was raised by her mother and step father, David Lessard. She graduated from high school in Haverhill, MA, in 1970. She married Scott M. Graham on August 31, 1996, and they moved to Newbury in June of 2000. For the past five years, Linda was an integral member of her work family at Westaff, working as a senior Personnel Consultant in West Lebanon, NH. She was loved by customers and associates alike. Linda was a master seamstress, loved NASCAR and her dog, Bandit. She was a giving person who enjoyed caring for and nurturing her family and friends. She always wore a warm smile. She is survived by her husband, Scott M. Graham of Newbury; her step father, David Lessard of Haverhill, MA; her father Jim Jones, of Decatur, TN, four children, Jennifer Jenna Mason and husband Brandon, and Tanya Purdy and husband Chris and their daughter Gwen, all of Washington state, Stacy Graham and fiance Willy Duquette, Jr. and their son Nicholas Duquette of Plaistow, NH, and Kelly Graham and fiance Tim Foley of Danville, NH; a sister Dorothy O Connor and her son Liam of Bradford, MA; two brothers, Daniel Jones of Cleveland, TN and Robert Jones of Raleigh, NC; one aunt, one uncle, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2008, at 11AM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH, with Father Donald Roy officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Northern New England Chapter, 114 Perimeter Road, Unite G&H, Nashua, NH 03063 or to the American Cancer Society, Centralized Memorial Processing Center, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

, 65, of Scott Highway died at his home on December 23, 2008. Richard was born on April 22, 1943, in Windsor, VT, to Norman and Lucille Bowley. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Barbara Greenwood Bowley; five sons, Richard J. Bowley, Jr. and Scott Graves both of St. Johnsbury, VT, Raymond Bowley of Orleans, VT, Dane Rochleau of Passumpsic, VT, and Wayne Rochleau of Woodsville, NH; several step children; several grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a sister Sharon Millette of Bennington, VT; and a brother Roger Bowley of Barre, VT. Private graveside services will be held in Peacham Village Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Parkinson s Disease Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 96268, Washington, DC 20090-6268 or American Lung Association of VT, 372 Hurricane Lane, Suite 101, Williston, VT 05495.

, 70, of Will Colburn Road, entered his eternal home where he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on December 23, 2008, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. Raymond was born in Rumney on August 25, 1938, to Raymond E. and Asenath (Glover) Reed, Sr. He married Josephine White on August 10, 1957. Raymond was a logger most of his life and also worked as a log transporter. He drove bus for the Russell School Bus Company in Rumney. He was a charter member of the Baker River Bible Church, where he participated in all church activities. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the New Hampshire Trappers Association. An avid hunter, Raymond was able to take his last buck this fall season. He also loved being a fisherman and outdoorsman. Following his retirement, he purchased a 1952 Pontiac that gave him great pleasure. He was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister, Deanna Reed, and a brother, Roger Reed. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Josephine White Reed of Rumney; two sons, Robin Reed and wife Cindy of Rumney, and Arthur White and wife Melissa of Rochester, NH; four grandchildren, Robert and Crystal Reed and Casandra and Laura White; one great grandson, Collin Roberts; two sisters, Virginia Kuchinski of Rumney, and Barbara Hamilton of Plymouth, NH; one brother, Joseph Reed of Rumney; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2008, at 2 PM, at the Baker River Bible Church, Wentworth, NH. Spring burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, West Rumney. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Baker River Bible Church, 1251 Mt. Mooselaukee Highway, Wentworth, NH 03282.

, 57, of West Barnet Road, died at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on December 26, 2008. Jonathan was born on November 2, 1951, in St. Johnsbury, VT, to Charles Augustus and Mary Jane (Hartley) Choate, Sr. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1969 and from Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT in 1971 with an Associate Degree in Agricultural Science. Following graduation, he returned to Barnet to work on the family dairy farm. Jonathan was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Barnet at West Barnet. He was a life member of the NRA, a member of the DHIA, the Northeast Organic Farmers Association, and GENEX. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his Harley. He was a former member of the Cabot Coop and was among the first in Caledonia County to become a certified organic farmer. He was predeceased by his father, Charles A. Choate, Sr. on February 16, 1992, and by his mother Mary Jane Choate on November 11, 2001. He is survived by his two sons, Matthew A. Choate of St. Johnsbury and Alex I. Choate and wife Marisa of Barnet; two granddaughters, Kara and Alicia Choate; his long-time companion, Celeste Marie Girrell of Sutton, VT and her two daughters, Rebecca Clark and Sarah Paquette: two brothers, Charles A. Choate, Jr. and wife Lyndelle of Underhill, VT and James H. Choate and wife Linda of Barnet; and a niece Kelly Donaghy and nephew Jeremy Noyes. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, December 30 , 2008, from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Barnet at West Barnet on Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 1 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the NVRH Renal Dialysis Unit, Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 22, of Swiftwater Road, died on December 28, 2008, at Cottage Hospital, Woodsville. He was born in Haverhill, NH, to Nathan William and Elizabeth (George) Engle, Jr. on October 26, 1986. Zeb graduated from Woodsville High School, Class of 2004. He recently had been a welder for Robco Metal Fabricators of Wells River, VT and had also worked at Valley Vista in Bradford, VT. Zeb enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting, and especially power sports such as four-wheeling and dirt biking. He loved listening to music and helping his brother Isaac with various musical endeavors. He treasured time spent with his family. He was predeceased this year by his paternal great grandmother, Lyle R. Barrows on May 20, 2008, and by his maternal grandmother, Helen June George on October 20, 2008; and by his step mother, Deborah Engle on July 22, 2005. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth (George) Nunn and husband Carl of Cabot, VT; his father Nathan William Engle, Jr. of Bartow, FL; paternal grandmother Janet Tate of Bartow, FL; maternal grandfather Ernest H. George, Sr. of Woodsville; a brother, Isaac Engle and wife Jen of Framingham, MA; a half sister Meriah and half brother Josiah Nunn both of Cabot; a step brother Karl Nunn of Odenton, MD; a niece Isabelle Rose Engle; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Thursday, January 1, 2009, from 2:30-4:30 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A funeral service will be on Friday, January 2, 2009 at 11 AM at Ricker Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

, 92, died Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center, after an extended illness. Phyllis was born in Haverhill, NH, May 1, 1916, the daughter of Harry A. and Amy (Morrill) Willey. She formerly worked at the East Corinth Bobbin Mill, Bradford Veneer Company, Channell Mills and Sprague Electric. Phyllis lived in the Bradford and Corinth area most of her life, until she moved to Concord, VT in 1995 to be nearer to her son, John. She was predeceased her husband, Phil Hood; three daughters, Phyllis Minshul on January 24, 2005, Marion E. Deschamps on April 23, 2006, and Marjorie Salomaa on August, 28, 2008; a son, Harry A. Oliver on October 24, 2002; and by her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Betty Madden of North Port, Florida and Nancy Bean of Saratoga, NY; her sons, John S. Oliver of Concord, VT and George W. Oliver of East Corinth, VT; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on June 20th at 11 AM in Pine Grove Cemetery, Swiftwater Road, Woodsville, NH. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer s Association, New Hampshire Office, One Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 105, Bedford, NH, 03110 or to the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab, Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT, 05819.